Quick Guide to eLearning Standards: SCORM, xAPI, cmi5, LTI, H5P & HTML5 Courses

JUSTADDWATER > Services > Quick Guide to eLearning Standards: SCORM, xAPI, cmi5, LTI, H5P & HTML5 Courses

Overview: eLearning standards & content formats.

SCORM, xAPI, cmi5, LTI, H5P and custom HTML5 — modern, trackable and fully integrated content for any LMS.

SCORM (1.2 / 2004)

Reliable course packaging for LMS deployments. Tracks completion, score and session time.

  • Best for compliance & standard courses
  • Widespread LMS compatibility

xAPI (Tin Can API)

Flexible event-based tracking across web, mobile, simulations and offline environments via an LRS.

  • Best for analytics-heavy programs
  • Track activities outside the LMS

cmi5

A modern SCORM replacement that uses xAPI for rich reporting with LMS launch capability.

  • Best for modern LMS deployments
  • Combines LMS launch + xAPI tracking

LTI (Tool Integration)

Standardized way to embed external apps into an LMS with SSO, deep linking and grade return.

  • Best for SaaS tools and exam engines
  • Secure SSO & grade sync

H5P

Fast-to-build interactive HTML5 content — quizzes, branching, interactive video and more.

  • Best for rapid interactive content
  • Lightweight and extendable

Custom HTML5 + xAPI

Bespoke courses, simulations, gamified experiences and microlearning — fully controlled UI with optional xAPI.

  • Best for complex UX and simulations
  • Full flexibility with analytics
Need help picking a format? Contact our LMS team.
Supported integrations: Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard, Docebo, Totara.

eLearning Standards Comparison

Comparison: SCORM • xAPI • cmi5 • LTI • H5P • Custom HTML5
Standard / Format What it is Tracks LMS Launch Offline Support Best for Notes
SCORM (1.2 / 2004) Course packaging & LMS runtime API Completion, score, time, suspend/resume ✔ Yes ✖ No Compliance training, onboarding Widely supported; limited analytics
xAPI (Tin Can API) Event-based activity tracking stored in an LRS Any activity (statements: actor-verb-object) ✖ Not by itself ✔ Yes (with proper design) Analytics, mobile, simulations, VR Requires an LRS; extremely flexible
cmi5 A rule-set on top of xAPI for LMS-launched courses xAPI statements for completion, score, duration ✔ Yes ✔ Yes Modern LMS deployments, SCORM migration Combines LMS launch flow + xAPI power
LTI (Learning Tools Interoperability) Integration standard for external tools & SSO Depends on tool — often grades, attempts ✔ Yes (tool launched from LMS) Depends on tool SaaS learning tools, external assessment engines Enables SSO, deep linking, grade return
H5P Open-source HTML5 content library (content types) Basic interactions: scores, simple results ✔ Yes (embedded in LMS pages) ✖ Typically no Rapid interactive content, microlearning Easy to build; limited analytics compared to xAPI
Custom HTML5 + xAPI Bespoke front-end with optional xAPI/SCORM wrappers Anything you define (clicks, paths, decisions) ✔ With wrapper ✔ Yes Simulations, gamification, product training Most flexible; requires dev resources
Tip: For deep analytics use xAPI or cmi5 with an LRS. For fast interactive content use H5P. For maximum LMS compatibility use SCORM.
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    Useful to know: integrations you need, whether deployment must be on-premise, and any audit or accreditation date you are working toward.

    We reply within one working day. No sequence, no drip campaign, no sales development rep.

    Lee Zinser

    Founder at Needgr8r
    "Team is great to work with.. They get what you need and action it with great results. Him has worked with us for a few years on various web related projects.. They are problem solvers and give valuable suggestions regarding the project. They are very fair and work fast. We are using them on continued projects. Thanks!"
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    Our eLearning Development & Integration Services

    We design, develop and integrate learning content using industry standards like SCORM, xAPI, cmi5, LTI, H5P and fully custom HTML5. Our services ensure compatibility, analytics, security, and smooth delivery across all major LMS platforms including Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard, Docebo, and Totara.

    SCORM Development & Packaging

    End-to-end SCORM 1.2/2004 course creation, conversion and packaging. We handle tracking setup, suspend/resume logic, LMS testing and multi-device compatibility.

    • SCORM conversion from PPT/HTML/Video
    • SCORM compliance & LMS QA
    • Storyline/Rise/Captivate to SCORM export

    xAPI (Tin Can) Course Development

    We implement xAPI event tracking for mobile apps, simulations, VR modules and custom content. Setup includes LRS integration, reporting dashboards and analytics workflows.

    • Custom xAPI statement design
    • LRS setup (Learning Locker / GrassBlade)
    • Advanced analytics & dashboards

    cmi5 Content Development

    We build modern cmi5 packages that combine LMS launch workflows with the power of xAPI. Ideal for replacing legacy SCORM setups.

    • SCORM → cmi5 migration
    • xAPI data mapping
    • LRS + LMS integrated solutions

    LTI Tool Integration & Development

    We create LTI-compliant tools that integrate securely with LMS platforms, supporting SSO, grade return, deep linking and external tool launches.

    • LTI 1.3 / Advantage integration
    • Custom external tool development
    • Secure SSO + grade syncing

    H5P Interactive Content Creation

    Fast, engaging interactive content for LMS platforms using 45+ H5P content types — quizzes, hotspots, branching, interactive videos and more.

    • Custom H5P templates
    • Interactive videos & branching
    • Bulk content creation

    Custom HTML5 Course Development

    Fully custom, responsive course development with optional SCORM or xAPI wrappers. Ideal for simulations, product training, and high-end interactive modules.

    • Custom JS/HTML5 learning modules
    • SCORM/xAPI tracking layers
    • Gamified & scenario-based learning
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    "Lee Zinser"

    Founder at Needgr8r
    "Team is great to work with.. They get what you need and action it with great results. Him has worked with us for a few years on various web related projects.. They are problem solvers and give valuable suggestions regarding the project. They are very fair and work fast. We are using them on continued projects. Thanks!"
    Source: Upwork.com

    "Kirsti Hegg"

    CTO, Zuma Juice

    "So far, JustAddWater has created high-functioning software to help overcome business challenges and better support sales. The team is consistently responsive and available, always making time to talk or fix any issues. Collaborative and open, they are quick to respond to questions and feedback."

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    Owner at ILike Design
    "JustAddWater supplemented the client's capabilities, enabling them to take on larger projects. The team kept in constant communication throughout the build and review parts of the project. Their timeliness, flexibility, and responsiveness made for a positive experience. "
    Source: Clutch.co

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    The team at JustAddWater met expectations, delivering a smooth product and service. Their responsive approach makes them stand out. Customers can expect a skilled and communicative team that meets deadlines.
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    Start with a scoping conversation

    Tell us about your learner base and what your current platform can’t do. We’ll come back with a straight answer on cost, timeline, and fit.

      Useful to know: integrations you need, whether deployment must be on-premise, and any audit or accreditation date you are working toward.

      We reply within one working day. No sequence, no drip campaign, no sales development rep.

      What happens next

      We reply with questions, not a brochure. Usually two or three, aimed at working out whether this is worth your time.

      You get the licence maths. What you pay now against what an owned platform costs once, with the assumptions shown.

      Then a scoped proposal. Fixed price and fixed timeline for the base package, or a scope document for larger builds.

      1,500
      Per-seat licences removed for one client
      30 days
      Base package to go-live

      "The engagement eliminated recurring per-user LMS licensing costs and gave the client full control over the roadmap, features, and integrations. JustAddWater responded quickly and efficiently despite the time difference. Their flexibility and strong communication were commendable."

      Nathan · CareRx
      Source: Clutch.co

      Start with a scoping conversation

      Tell us about your learner base and what your current platform can’t do. We’ll come back with a straight answer on cost, timeline, and fit.

        Useful to know: integrations you need, whether deployment must be on-premise, and any audit or accreditation date you are working toward.

        We reply within one working day. No sequence, no drip campaign, no sales development rep.

        What happens next

        We reply with questions, not a brochure. Usually two or three, aimed at working out whether this is worth your time.

        You get the licence maths. What you pay now against what an owned platform costs once, with the assumptions shown.

        Then a scoped proposal. Fixed price and fixed timeline for the base package, or a scope document for larger builds.

        1,500
        Per-seat licences removed for one client
        30 days
        Base package to go-live

        "The engagement eliminated recurring per-user LMS licensing costs and gave the client full control over the roadmap, features, and integrations. JustAddWater responded quickly and efficiently despite the time difference. Their flexibility and strong communication were commendable."

        Nathan · CareRx
        Source: Clutch.co